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If you’re considering IVF or freezing your eggs and unsure of what to expect, this article will break down the basics and offer suggestions for how to prepare. 

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

These days, egg freezing and IVF, or in vitro fertilization, are fairly common routes on the journey to parenthood. Yet, that doesn’t mean these fertility treatments are always an easy road. While both treatments helped millions of women conceive, they can require a significant investment of emotion, resources, and time. 

In vitro fertilization is a type of fertility treatment where:

The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm outside of the body in a laboratory 

The embryos (fertilized eggs) are then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. 

The main difference between egg freezing and IVF is the timing. Rather than attempting to get pregnant right away, egg freezing gives you the option to store your unfertilized eggs for a later time. When and if you decide you are ready to have a baby, your eggs will be thawed in the lab and the rest of the IVF process will be completed. Freezing healthy eggs at a younger age allows women more flexibility in their family-planning timelines.  

The initial screening and prescribed medications are very similar for IVF and egg freezing. After completing an initial ultrasound and bloodwork, your doctor will prescribe fertility medications to stimulate follicle growth. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that potentially contain an egg. Your prescription will involve self-injecting hormones on a precisely timed schedule and regular check-ins for additional ultrasounds and bloodwork. For a more detailed understanding of the timeline and medications used during an IVF cycle, see our article,  IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained. 

Once your follicles have reached maturity, your doctor will gently guide a thin needle through your vaginal wall and use suction to draw the eggs from the follicles. The 15-45 minute procedure is minimally invasive, and you’ll be sedated to ensure there’s no pain. The retrieved eggs are either frozen and stored for later use or placed in a petri dish with sperm cells so fertilization can take place. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred to your uterus through a quick, non-surgical procedure using an ultrasound-guided catheter.  

IVF may include a variety of other parties at each stage. In some cases, an egg donor undergoes the egg retrieval process. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the intended parent’s uterus. Sometimes a gestational carrier carries and delivers a child for another couple or person. The embryo is created via IVF using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and then transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus. In all of these cases, the sperm used to fertilize the eggs may come from either a male partner or donor. Your unique fertility journey may or may not include one or more of these variations.

From a biological standpoint, the American Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology recommends being at a healthy weight and avoiding smoking or alcohol use. It’s also important to mentally prepare, as this journey may take more than one cycle and be physically demanding on your body. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to your emotional well-being: 

Don’t let staying “stress-free” stress you out 

During any type of fertility treatment, it’s natural to feel anxious or apprehensive. You are emotionally invested in the outcome, after all. So the standard advice to avoid stress during IVF may only serve to catch you in a cycle of worrying about your worries. It’s true that stress isn’t good for your health and it negatively impacts your quality of life; however, recent studies have offered reassurance that your stress level is unlikely to affect your chances of IVF success. 

We recommend that you include stress-relieving techniques in your fertility self-care plan, but it’s important to know that some stress is expected and perfectly okay. Rather than trying to avoid anxious thoughts altogether, try to acknowledge whatever hopes and fears arise, then work to let them go through practices that help you feel calm. The key here is to be gentle with yourself. Try light, low-impact movement practices like yoga, walking, or tai chi, or lay in bed and listen to a guided audio meditation. There are meditation programs that focus specifically on supporting the fertility journey, like Expectful and Circle + Bloom, as well as free fertility meditations on Insight Timer. 

If possible, we suggest surrounding yourself with caring individuals who can provide emotional support or assist with injections when needed. Talk about your feelings with your loved ones. And If you know someone else who has gone through egg freezing or IVF, perhaps you can schedule a weekly phone chat or walk through your neighborhood. 

Finding this type of support isn’t always easy, however. If you’re feeling isolated or struggling to find someone to confide in, know that you are part of a community of women who share similar challenges. Your fertility clinic may offer counseling or support groups, or you can find one through Resolve, the National Fertility Association. No matter your circumstances, you don’t have to navigate fertility and family planning alone. 

Many people also find support through blogs and online communities centered around fertility and IVF, like IVF Babble and Pregnantish. While these can be excellent resources, be mindful that not everything you read online will be completely factual or apply to your unique circumstances. Your doctor or pharmacist should be your source for any medical advice. The stories others share will range from joyful to heartbreaking, so check in with where you’re at emotionally before you start browsing. Remember: whether good or bad, these are the experiences of others. Your journey will unfold in its own way. 

Because treatment can change from one day to the next, it’s helpful to have a pharmacy partner that can be just as flexible and deliver medications as needed. For that reason, we recommend selecting a pharmacy that offers free, same-day delivery and expert guidance on fertility medications. 

Alto’s fertility pharmacists are accessible by phone or messaging in our mobile app. We understand that protocols can change with little notice, which is why you will always receive a confirmation and updates from us after we receive your prescription. You can also view your delivery status in our mobile app until our courier team hand-delivers your medications. You can even designate a safe place for us to place your medications for contactless delivery (we can facilitate contact-free signatures as well). 

For more tips on how to select your pharmacy, read “What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy.” 

The IVF journey can be challenging, but we’ll be with you every step of the way. Alto’s dedicated fertility specialists are here to answer your questions, guide you through your first injections, and work with your physician to ensure your egg freezing or IVF treatment plan is followed correctly. Visit us at alto.com/fertility or reach out via phone or the app to learn more. 

Managing your health during the pandemic is a long game. Here are five important heart health strategies to put into play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your Heart Health Playbook During COVID-19

What We Know about Heart Health and COVID-19

We mostly hear about how COVID-19 affects the lungs. But any serious viral infection can put stress on the heart by forcing it to work faster and harder as the body mobilizes to defend itself. Even more troubling, COVID-19 infection can cause blood clots in the heart’s arteries or attack and weaken the heart muscle itself. 

Anyone who is already managing high blood pressure or heart disease should take the potential for damage to their cardiovascular system seriously. Just don’t let vigilance and caution spiral into fear. While the gravity of the link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular health should not be understated, there are proactive ways you can support your heart and protect yourself from infection. 

Remember—managing your health during the pandemic is a long game. It’s crucial that you continue to take your medications as prescribed and receive necessary medical care. With this in mind, here are five important heart health strategies to put into play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five Heart Health Strategies During COVID-19

For months now you’ve been wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowded areas whenever possible. We know it hasn’t been easy, but keep it up. According to Penn Medicine cardiologist Helene Glassberg, MD, “The number one thing is to continue what you're doing, which is staying at home when possible, practicing safe distancing, and seeking medical attention if you're having problems.” Dr. Glassberg also recommends exercising caution as states experiment with loosening restrictions, advising, “Stay the course for as long as you can to stay well.”

There have been conflicting news reports involving some blood pressure medications and COVID-19. Despite what you might have read, don’t stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor. Not only is that never a good idea, but several recent studies indicate that there is no cause for concern when it comes to these medications. 

The confusion stemmed from the fact that two common classes of blood pressure drugs, known as angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), affect the same pathways in the body that the coronavirus takes to reach the lungs and the heart. Multiple types of both medications are available—commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, captopril, and benazepril, while common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, and azilsartan. 

For a while, experts were unsure if these shared pathways meant that these medications might either help or harm people with the virus. According to Harvard Health, three different studies have found no evidence of harm for people infected with COVID-19 who continue to take ACE inhibitors and ARBs. While there is still research to be done, experts recommend that people already taking these medications should continue to do so. 

The same advice goes for any medications or lifestyle interventions that your doctor has prescribed. If anything, it is more important than ever to remain diligent with your cardiac care plan and stay in communication with your doctor. 

The prospect of sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office can be anxiety-provoking right now. While avoiding the doctor might feel like a safe choice in the short-term, skipping your appointments or ignoring symptoms could mean putting yourself at risk of serious health issues like heart attack and stroke, and increasing the danger of complications should you be exposed to COVID-19. 

Talk with your doctor about what safety measures have been put in place to protect you from COVID-19 exposure during your visits. Together you can assess the risks and create a plan to continue monitoring your blood pressure and heart health. Telehealth, which allows you to meet with your doctor via phone or video, may be an option and is often covered by insurance. 

If you pair virtual doctor visits with free hand-delivery of your prescription medications through Alto, you can avoid both the waiting room and long lines at the pharmacy. Transferring your prescriptions to Alto is easy and free—we’ll take care of the work for you. We’ll ask you to choose a convenient delivery window, and one of our couriers will bring your medications straight to your door at no additional cost. We can even provide completely contactless delivery if you prefer. 

Don’t Drop the Ball on Your Healthy Habits

Even though we’ve been at it for months, staying motivated to keep up healthy habits from home can still be a struggle. The stress and anxiety so many of us are feeling right now may affect our energy levels or cause us to lose interest in our usual activities. When facing distressing news reports or personal hardship, it’s tempting to self-soothe in various unhealthy ways. It’s okay to indulge sometimes, but try not to slide too far into less healthy coping mechanisms for the sake of your heart and your emotional well-being.

Cooking heart-healthy meals at home can boost your overall wellness and serve as a creative outlet. The American Heart Association created this resource for making smart shopping choices on a budget and offers a library of recipes to suit any skill level or craving. Staying active is equally important. If you find it difficult to work out from home, try thinking outside the box of what you’d normally consider fitness. For example, giving your kitchen a good scrub will get your heart rate up, and seeing your countertops sparkle will most likely relieve some stress. If you prefer to keep it simple, a brisk walk around your neighborhood is an effective choice that can help you feel connected to your community from a safe distance. 

Unfortunately, heart attacks and strokes don’t take a break when a global pandemic strikes. Do not delay getting emergency medical care because you fear going to the emergency room due to COVID-19. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, even now, and the hospital is the safest place you can be if you think you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 immediately at the first sign of trouble—the American Heart Association offers this resource for identifying a heart attack or stroke. We also recommend reading our article, “Heart Health Warning Signs to Watch Out For.” 

We are fully prepared to deliver your heart medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are stocked, our couriers are standing by, and our pharmacists are on-call to answer questions and assist with coordinating refills or requesting longer fills. We offer free, contactless delivery with every single prescription so you can rest easy at home knowing that everything you need is on its way. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

At Alto, we believe your medications should come to you—at the best price, on time, and with the ongoing support you need.

How Alto Delivers More, at No Additional Cost

At Alto, we believe your medications should come to you—at the best price, on time, and with the ongoing support you need. However, when we explain to people that we can save them money while providing free home delivery and easy access to expert care, we often encounter disbelief. In a world where we usually pay a premium for special care, how can Alto’s services really be free?

Traditional retail pharmacies often build hundreds of storefronts in a single metro area in an effort to lure customers through proximity. We, however, are taking a totally different approach. We’ve redesigned the pharmacy experience by building a single distribution center in each metro area. By reducing our overhead costs, we’re able to hire teams of patient care pharmacists who are always on-call to offer guidance and local couriers who will deliver your medications straight to your doorstep.  

What’s more, because we’re not using our resources to stock and equip a fleet of locations, we can invest in innovations that elevate your prescription experience. We built our own pharmacy software platform that enables our pharmacists and patient advocates to effortlessly perform price investigations and coordinate between doctors and insurance companies. We also developed the Alto app, which puts pharmacy care at your fingertips—from ordering refills to chatting with a pharmacist. 

In a traditional pharmacy setting, pharmacists are often required to fill prescriptions, work the register, answer phones, counsel patients, administer flu shots, and call doctors and insurance companies—all on a strictly timed schedule. We don’t believe that sets pharmacists up to provide the best care. At Alto, pharmacists work in two teams with close collaboration. Our production pharmacists can focus on the important task of medication preparation while our patient care pharmacists get to focus on you. Whether you’re concerned about a side effect or wondering if you should take your medication with a meal, you can talk through any issue with an expert who cares. 

By bringing our pharmacy to you, we’re able to offer you a better experience at no additional cost. From uninterrupted, one-on-one consultations with pharmacists to timely hand-delivery of your medications, we think “above and beyond” is simply what you should expect from your pharmacy. 

Need a Refresher? These Alto Benefits are Completely Free

Have you ever meticulously crafted an online dinner order only to cancel once you saw how all the delivery and service fees added up? We’re never going to put you through that type of frustration. When we say “free delivery,” we mean absolutely, completely, 100% free. There won’t be any additional fees sneaking up on you. Ever.

Send us your prescription and a member of our team will hand-deliver your medication directly to your home or office. Pick a date and delivery window that works for you—most medications are available the very same day—then track your courier as they make their way to your doorstep. 

Opportunities to save money are out there, but they can be confusing to identify. When we set out to revolutionize the pharmacy experience, we knew that we needed to help make these resources more accessible. So, we created our own database of discounts, coupons, and pricing options that we could match against every single prescription. By automating the process, we’re able to exhaust all the options and find you the lowest price—at no extra cost. 

If you currently have a prescription at another pharmacy, we’ll take care of the transfer for you. It’s the least we can do to welcome you into our care. For more on how the free transfer process works (spoiler: it’s incredibly easy), see How Do I Transfer a Prescription to Alto?

One of the most important aspects of pharmacy care is the ability to chat with a pharmacist whenever questions come up. Whether you’re starting a new medication for the first time or unsure if a certain supplement could interfere with your regimen, you can call or message an Alto pharmacist at any time—even evenings and weekends. You’ll never have to wait in line or feel like you’re being rushed along, and your messages will be private and secure. Our patient care pharmacists focus solely on consultations, which means you’ll always have their undivided attention. 

Whether you’re facing a full day of meetings, navigating a complex schedule of pickups and errands, or dealing with an unexpected challenge, it’s easy to let your daily dose fall through the cracks. So we created a few helpful features within the Alto app that can help you stick to your schedule. The Reminders feature lets you set up medication alerts so you’ll never miss your next dose, and you can turn on Auto Refills to get your future refills delivered automatically. We’ll even reach out to remind you when your next fill is on its way so you can make updates to the delivery if needed.

Streamlined Medications for You and Your Family

Imagine if everything you needed to know about your and your family’s prescriptions was all in one place? We thought that would be pretty great too. With the Alto app, you can set up a family account to see and manage medications for your whole family from a single account. View all your current and past prescriptions, along with detailed medication information, and even coordinate your medications into one delivery. 

We set out to make the traditional pharmacy experience better by bringing the medications you need—along with exceptional care—straight to your doorstep. Some might find it unbelievable that we offer our services for free; we simply believe that we’re providing pharmacy care as it should be. 

Experience a better pharmacy. Our team is available to answer your questions from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends; reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or download the app to securely message with a pharmacist.

This fall, we had the opportunity to meet Tiffany Remington and her husband Caleb, who spoke to us about the importance of having a pharmacy partner they could rely on through their own infertility journey.

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

How One Couple Navigated Their Infertility Journey

Facing fertility issues can feel like entering completely unfamiliar territory. From deciding when and how to pursue treatment to navigating the ensuing procedures and medication protocols, uncertainties can surface at every turn. However, while no two journeys are completely alike, there is so much to be learned from the many hopeful parents who have traveled the various paths of infertility treatment before. 

This fall, we had the opportunity to meet Tiffany Remington and her husband Caleb, who spoke to us about the importance of having a pharmacy partner they could rely on through their own infertility journey. Read on to learn more about how the process unfolded in Tiffany’s own words and her advice for others going through a similar experience. 

My husband, Caleb, and I love to seek out adventure in almost everything we do. For the past two years, we’ve been living full-time in an RV that we renovated into the coziest home on wheels. Before pursuing our wild dreams of living tiny, we created a one-off event called The Greatest Wedding Ever Donated, where we turned our wedding into a gala and benefit concert and raised $207,000 for charity. 

So what’s next in our books? Starting a family. To our surprise, it took us a year and a half to start our journey of growing our family, and most of the waiting was out of our control. When we had our initial visit with our reproductive endocrinologist back in May of 2019, we thought things were going to happen fast—boom, bam, baby in the utero in one month. We quickly found out how intense the process is and how little we fully understood. All we knew was that we needed help. 

My husband was born with a condition called cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that creates a thick buildup of mucus in his lungs and other organs of his body. 98% of men with CF are also born infertile due to the absence or underdevelopment of the vas deferens (think of it as the highway for the sperm). After trying to conceive for two years on our own, we had a gut feeling that the lottery win for natural conception was not in the cards. We are a couple affected by male factor infertility.

After choosing a clinic, we had blood work done within the month. We then planned for Caleb’s microTESE, a surgical procedure to extract sperm from the seminiferous tubules of a male’s testes and epididymis. Unfortunately, that was round one of delays. We had to wait five months for an open spot for surgery. The initial disappointment rapidly turned into gratitude knowing that we had more time to fully wrap our head around this process, find a community for support, and educate ourselves in the decisions we would have to make along the way.

In February of 2020, we joyfully celebrated the eleven vials of sperm that were collected and were ready to start our IVF protocol. To ours and the world’s dismay, COVID-19 restrictions were put into place and our clinic shut down in March, just as we were about to begin. Due to Caleb’s health and the nature of the virus, we decided to move our IVF funds back to his medical emergency savings in case something happened. 

For five and a half months, we waited. We finally came to a place of comfort to move forward once our clinic allowed for new patient protocols to resume. We officially started our IVF stimulation protocol for egg retrieval at the beginning of August. After fifteen days of shots, we pulled the trigger and were able to produce seventeen beautiful mature eggs. Of the seventeen eggs, fourteen were fertilized, thirteen made it to Day 3 Blastocysts, four to Day 5 Blastocysts, and two to Day 6. We ended up with a total of six embryos that got sent off for PGS testing. A week later, we found out that of the six embryos, three came back genetically normal.

We wanted to keep the momentum going, so we opted to transfer our first frozen embryo as soon as possible. I had surgery to remove a couple of polyps and by the beginning of October, I was in the clear with a healed uterus, ready to welcome our baby home. With the transfer protocol moving rapidly, I knew I had to find a new pharmacy that I felt like I could rely on. 

During egg retrieval, I ordered from my clinic’s partnered pharmacy without realizing that I had much of a choice otherwise. My medication was delivered to the wrong address, and the idea that it might happen again stressed me out because timing is everything in this process! When speaking with some of my IVF friends, I kept hearing about Alto Pharmacy. I took a deep dive to see what all the “buzz” was about.

I could feel the grin stretch across my face when clicking enter on the URL. The website was already drawing me in. This is a pharmacy? Free delivery, advice, price investigation, and they work with your insurance? I’ve been managing my husband’s medication for years. I know first-hand how time-consuming all of the things that Alto provides can be—it’s a full-time job. This isn't just a pharmacy, it's a care team.

When I saw that Alto would take the burden off my shoulders, I was INSTANTLY sold. No need for spreadsheets, no need to play phone manager while connecting insurance and pharmacies, no need to Google down a rabbit hole. They would take care of all the details and that in itself is priceless.

I had my nurse place my next order with Alto and within the hour I had a text message to my phone prompting me to download the Alto app where I could manage deliveries and medications, connect with a pharmacist, and track my orders. Again, mind blown. An app? For a pharmacy? Can someone bring Alto their crown? One of the best parts is that the delivery windows were only a couple of hours—not like most other pharmacies where you have to wait the entire day to receive your medications. They also have one of their own courier team members HAND-deliver it to you.

Boutique service with savings—I couldn’t be a bigger fan. This whole IVF process can sometimes make you feel like a number. Alto is one of those companies doing it right by honoring you as a human. They show up in the app. They show up on the phone. I felt heard and fought for.

If you are walking through this (in)fertility process, or any medical journey for that matter, my advice is: don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Speaking as both a caretaker and patient, medicine is often routine and anonymous, and personalized care has not yet been perfected. Pharmacy choice, specifically, matters. Are they reliable? Do they advocate for you as a patient? Can they cut costs? What’s their customer service like? What are patient reviews? Do they deliver on time? You have a choice, even if the options aren’t clear at the start.

The team at Alto is ready to be your partner through it all, from your first cycle to your last. Questions about using Alto? Visit alto.com/fertility or give us a call at 1-800-874-5881. Our team is available from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends.

To connect with Tiffany and Caleb follow them on Instagram @ustheremingtons. 

Disclosure: Tiffany received medications at no cost from Alto Pharmacy in order to share her opinion about our services. The views expressed are solely her own. 

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto 

There is quite a bit that sets Alto apart from other pharmacies. Let’s take an in-depth look at how Alto was built to be a better pharmacy in all aspects of care. 

Traditional vs. Online Pharmacies: How Alto Built Something Better

Is there anything we can’t buy online these days? Over the past decade, e-commerce has surged, as promises of convenience and low prices have lured shoppers away from brick and mortar stores. Yet even with almost 8 out of 10 Americans shopping online, there’s a pervasive sense of nostalgia for “the way things were.” We love the convenience of clicking “buy” from the comfort of home, but we often lament the loss of human touch in our transactions.

It’s probably not surprising that prescription medications have followed the same trend. Most of us are eager to avoid the lines at traditional retail pharmacies. A quick search will turn up scores of online pharmacies, all boasting low prices and convenient mail-delivery. You might think Alto is one of this bunch, however, there is quite a bit that sets us apart. Let’s take an in-depth look at how Alto was built to be a better pharmacy in all aspects of care. 

A major factor driving people to their local pharmacies is the chance for a face-to-face interaction with a pharmacist they can trust. Traditional retail pharmacies generally have established reputations and physical locations that help make customers feel secure. However, retail pharmacists are often distracted by the laundry list of tasks they’re expected to complete each day. You may have to wait in line, potentially when you’re feeling unwell, only to receive just a minute or two of face time. 

Online pharmacies, on the other hand, can spring up overnight—and disappear just as fast. Unfortunately, there are many illegitimate internet-based pharmacies that may be selling counterfeit or unsafe drugs. In fact, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) labeled about 95% of the online pharmacies they reviewed as “not recommended.” The FDA provides this list of safety checks and warning signs when considering an online pharmacy. Even with legitimate online pharmacies, it may not be easy, or even possible, to talk with a real pharmacist when you have questions about your medication. 

At Alto, your care is our priority. Just ask our happy customers. Not only are we fully accredited by the NABP, but we also have fulfillment centers in every area we serve, staffed by our incredible local teams. These neighborhood pharmacies are where we process and fill your prescription orders, then hand-deliver them directly to your doorstep. We have expert pharmacists in all areas of specialty care who are available to talk through questions as they come up, for as long as you need. It’s easy to get in touch—send a quick message through our in-app messenger or give us a call. 

With the cost of prescription medications on a seemingly endless upward trend, more and more Americans are looking for ways to save money. Many people may not realize that the cost of their medication can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, though they’re unlikely to spend hours driving between locations to find the best price. For that reason, traditional retail pharmacies have little incentive to seek ways to lower your costs. After waiting in line to pick up your medications, there’s little choice but to accept the price you’ve been given or leave empty handed. 

Online pharmacies make it easy to compare prices and often seem to offer better deals on the surface. You should be wary of pricing that seems “too good to be true,” however, and make sure you are visiting a reputable source. Counterfeit medications pose a significant risk to your health, so make purchases with discernment. 

At Alto, not only are we the real deal, but we’re committed to finding you the best price. We match every single prescription against our extensive database of savings options. Plus, our services and delivery are always completely free. For a closer look at how we find the lowest prices, read our article, “How Alto Saves You Money on Prescriptions.” We’ve saved our patients more than $36 million on their medications so far.

Some people stick to their local retail pharmacy because they need or prefer to pick up their medication the same day. Others continue making the trip simply because it’s the way they’ve always handled their prescriptions. Switching pharmacies might seem like a hassle, but what about having to drive to the pharmacy and wait in line every time you need your medication? 

Online pharmacies exist to eliminate the inconvenience of picking up your prescriptions. No more rushing to the pharmacy during business hours, standing in long lines, or driving back and forth for multiple prescriptions. However, online pharmacies send your medications through the mail, so you won’t receive them right away. And when questions about your prescription arise, you may find yourself stuck on hold or resorting to an internet deep dive. 

With Alto, your days of waiting in line are over but you won’t miss out on real, human care. We’ll take care of transferring your prescriptions for you, then one of our local couriers will hand-deliver your medications at a time and location that’s convenient for you—even that very same day. Our expert pharmacists are always on-call to answer any questions or provide guidance. With the Alto app, you can manage your and your family’s prescriptions, chat with a pharmacist, and coordinate refills, all in one place. 

Some retail pharmacies offer delivery options, however, they usually require a paid membership or the use of an outside delivery service. With prescription medication already a significant expense for many people, stacking on additional fees isn’t a very attractive prospect. 

Online pharmacies use mail delivery, so it can be difficult to determine exactly when your medications will arrive. If you’re running low or are on a timed regimen, the possibility of mail-based delays can present a significant challenge and become a potential health risk. 

When you fill a prescription with Alto, a member of our local team will hand-deliver it to you that very same day—for free. No more worrying about mail delays or wondering when your medication will arrive. Simply select a delivery window and a location and we’ll make sure your care package arrives safely, securely, and on time. You can even track your delivery as it makes its way to you. And did we mention that our delivery service is always completely free? 

As you can see, Alto is just like your neighborhood pharmacy. We just happen to believe that your medication should come to you. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional care—from free, same-day delivery to exhaustive price investigations to always-there support from our dedicated pharmacists and care team. When it comes to your prescriptions, you don’t have to sacrifice trust, price, convenience, or delivery. We’ll give you the very best experience in every area of care. 

Ready to switch to a better pharmacy? Our team is available to answer your questions from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends; reach out by in-app secure messaging or phone.

Fertility patients in New York City can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery and have their medications delivered by our Alto team.

Hello, New York

Alto’s launch in the New York market extends our industry-leading patient care model to the East Coast.

Starting Monday, November 2, fertility patients in New York City can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery and have their medications delivered by our Alto team.

Our daily delivery windows allow patients to more easily plan to be available to receive their medications. Patients schedule deliveries to the location of their choice — home, work or hotel — and on the day of their choosing. They can even track our couriers in real time on our mobile app and text with a pharmacist for support.

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday 

6:00 –9:00 pm ET in all areas west of Patchogue (7:00 – 10:00 pm ET in areas east of Patchogue)

2:00 –5:00 pm ET in all areas west of Patchogue (3:00 – 6:00 pm ET in areas east of Patchogue)

Compounds must be prescribed and confirmed with the patient by 1:30 pm ET, Monday – Friday, for same-day delivery. At this time, compounds are not available for same-day delivery on Saturday and Sunday.

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm ET
Saturday - Sunday: 8 am - 4:30 pm ET 

Fertility patients interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their care team to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe or phone).

Fertility is Complicated. Your Medications Don’t Have to Be.

Alto knows fertility pharmacy. With more than 50,000 patients served, we understand the treatment complexities and concerns of fertility patients. Our dedicated patient care team is available in the evenings and on weekends to walk you through your first injection or answer questions about medication storage, dosing or interactions. Our fertility deliveries include all necessary ancillary supplies, such as syringes, sharps container and alcohol swabs, and are carefully packaged for temperature control. Delivery is always free.

Alto will automatically connect you with all manufacturer-sponsored financial assistance programs for qualifying prescriptions. Alto also works with many fertility benefits programs and many leading financing and loan providers. If we cannot bill your insurance, we’ll find you a pharmacy that can.

 Our customer service team is available to support NY patients and providers from 9 am - Midnight ET, Monday - Friday, and 10 am - 9 pm ET, Saturday - Sunday. 

At this time, Alto is only offering fertility medication services in the New York City market. Any updates to service areas and offerings will be available at alto.com/locations.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2020and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

We offer the latest advice on how you can access the medications and services you need while protecting yourself from infection with COVID-19.

Navigating HIV Treatment and Prevention During COVID-19

Living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s been over six months since the first stay-at-home orders swept across the country, and we’re just beginning to replace widespread uncertainty about the coronavirus with real-world data. There’s still much we don’t know about how COVID-19 affects those living with HIV, but researchers are working quickly to glean insights from cases over the past months. 

Though our understanding is continually evolving and the data is limited, experts believe that people with HIV who are receiving treatment have the same risk for COVID-19 as the general population. We do know, however, that people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severely sick from COVID-19, which underscores the already vital importance of preventing new HIV infections and ensuring access to treatment. 

If you are at risk of HIV infection or living with HIV, we encourage you to not put prevention or treatment on hold. It’s also crucial that you stick to the plan outlined by your doctor as closely as possible, especially by taking your medications correctly and on time. As your pharmacy, we’re here to help you overcome any challenges in maintaining your regimen that may arise. Let’s walk through the latest advice on how you can access the medications and services you need while protecting yourself from infection with COVID-19.

Is COVID-19 illness more severe in people living with HIV?

As we mentioned, when HIV is being treated, it does not seem to increase the risk of infection or severe illness. Those who are living with HIV and not on treatment or virally suppressed, however, may be at greater risk of COVID-19 complications. Additionally, older people living with HIV and those with other underlying health conditions may also be at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19. It’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection by following CDC guidelines, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands and high-touch surfaces often. 

We know that people living with HIV are more vulnerable to respiratory infections when their HIV is not well managed. That’s because their weakened immune systems may be unprepared to deal with an invading virus. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to continue your antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed. If you are having difficulty continuing your treatment for any reason, talk with your healthcare provider right away.

What additional precautions should people living with HIV take?

The most important actions you can take for your health are to continue your HIV treatment and avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus. Follow the preventative guidelines outlined by the CDC to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Additionally, you should take the following precautions:

Keep your regular medical appointments and discuss ways you can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 during your visits. Use telehealth services whenever possible; your doctor can advise you on the remote options available to you.

Keep at least a 30-day supply of your HIV medications on hand as well as any other medications or supplies you need to manage your health. If possible, ask for a three-month supply and choose a pharmacy that offers home delivery to avoid spending time in close contact with others while standing in lines. (Alto’s couriers will hand-deliver your medications to your doorstep, so you never have to worry about mail delays either!)

People living with HIV are at a higher risk of serious flu-related complications, make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially your flu shot.

The CDC recommends maintaining a healthy diet, aiming for 8 hours of sleep every night, and taking steps to reduce stress. 

If you start to feel sick, especially if you have a dry cough, fever, fatigue, and/or a loss of smell or taste, stay at home and contact your doctor immediately so you can determine your next steps. You will need to self-isolate to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others as you await instructions from your doctor. For this reason, we strongly recommend having a plan in place for if you get sick, including keeping 30 days’ worth of medications, food, and other supplies on hand.

How can I get tested for HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s as important as ever to know your HIV status. If you’re at risk for HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for getting tested. The CDC has stressed the importance of continued access to HIV testing and encourages people who are at risk for HIV infection to get tested in ways that support social distancing and stay-at-home orders (when they are in place), such as self-testing when possible. They have created this resource that lists self-testing services by state. You can also find in-person testing locations here. 

I’ve lost my insurance. How can I continue to get my HIV medication?

As we face this public health crisis, record numbers of people are also losing their jobs and employer-based coverage. If you’re currently uninsured or cannot afford your out-of-pocket costs, there are resources that can help. HIV.gov puts out this list of toll-free helplines that can help you find programs and services in your state to lower your treatment costs. They also list a variety of federal resources here. 

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which is part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was created to help cover the cost of HIV-related prescription medications for people who have limited or no prescription drug coverage. Eligibility may vary by state, so find out more by using the ADAP Directory to identify your local program. 

How can I continue to access PrEP during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are at risk of HIV exposure, protecting yourself needs to remain a top priority. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an HIV prevention method that's available by prescription. We explain more in our article, “All About PrEP for HIV Prevention.”

If you are already taking PrEP, talk to your provider about the possibility of telehealth options for the time being and see if you can get a prescription for a 90-day supply of PrEP. To find an in-person or online provider, visit one of the following websites:
PleasePrEPme.org
Greaterthan.org

If you need help paying for PrEP, there are assistance programs available that can cover the costs. PleasePrEPme.org maintains a comprehensive list of available resources here. 

What are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety right now?

It’s normal to experience heightened emotions during times of stress. And, unfortunately, some of the actions we are taking to protect ourselves, such as social distancing, can negatively impact our emotional well-being. Here are some ways you can protect your mental health and cope with the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unplug when you need to. It’s important to stay informed, however, the constant cycle of news reports and social media updates can become all-consuming and overwhelming. Take breaks from your devices when necessary and try to focus on reliable news sources and avoid social media accounts and websites that may be spreading rumors or false information.

Find soothing activities and practice them daily. Maybe you turn to a calming classic like meditation when you need to recharge or perhaps nothing makes you happier than whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Whatever helps you unwind is good for your emotional well-being and overall health. 

Stay on top of your health and wellness. Stress can disrupt your usual healthy habits. Try to move your body frequently, incorporate healthy foods, and get a full night’s sleep. You may not succeed every day and that’s okay. Just do your best to keep up your healthy habits most of the time. 

Seek help if you need it. If feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, or numbness interfere with your responsibilities for several days in a row or if you find yourself turning to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs or alcohol, please reach out for help. The CDC offers this list of free and confidential resources.

We are committed to ensuring you receive your HIV medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are fully stocked, our couriers are ready, and our pharmacists can assist with coordinating early refills and longer fills. We offer free, contactless delivery, plus ongoing access to support and advice.  

Our HIV speciality team is available to answer your questions 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends. Download the mobile app for secure messaging or call 1-800-874-5881. 

We combed through the latest advice from the experts to give you some actionable steps that may help protect your health.  

Managing Diabetes During COVID-19

Pre-existing condition. These two words have echoed across news broadcasts and government briefings about COVID-19, stirring up fears in those living with chronic disease. But as we’ve gathered data and learned more about the novel coronavirus, a clearer picture has emerged. We now better understand how people with underlying medical conditions like diabetes can take careful precautions to decrease their likelihood of getting sick. 

According to the ADA, it does not appear that people with diabetes are more likely to get COVID-19. They do, however, have a higher risk of developing serious symptoms and severe complications that require hospitalization if exposed. This increased risk makes prevention and early detection critical. 

If you are living with diabetes, it’s important to focus on what you can control right now. In addition to following the CDC’s prevention guidelines, which include wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding unnecessary social contact, you can manage your risk by planning ahead. With this in mind, we combed through the latest advice from the experts to give you some actionable steps that may help protect your health.  

The world is full of very real stressors right now. It’s easy to let healthy habits slip when you’re anxious or under pressure, however, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your health. The ADA advises that your risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well-managed. Dr. Janaki Vakharia, MD, clinical fellow in the Endocrinology Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains, "Studies have reported that patients with well-controlled diabetes who have been hospitalized for COVID-19 have a higher rate of survival. Better controlled diabetes is also associated with lower markers of inflammation, which may explain this better rate.” 

Do your best to stick to the care plan you’ve created with your doctor—keep taking your insulin and/or other medication, test and track your blood glucose, exercise at home, and maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you have enough medication on hand to last you several weeks and continue your doctor’s appointments virtually if telemedicine is an option. 

In his FAQs about Diabetes + COVID-19 for Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mohammed Al-Sofiani, MBBS, MSc, writes, “I strongly encourage all people with diabetes to make sure that they have enough supply of insulin and all the tools they typically use to manage their glucose...I also encourage people with diabetes to avoid going to the clinics or pharmacies unless it is for urgent matters.”

You should never have to risk your health to obtain your insulin and other medications. That’s why we offer free contactless delivery when you fill your prescription through Alto. Simply let us know where and when to drop it off, and we’ll make sure your medications and supplies arrive safely. 

We’re about to enter cold and flu season. More viruses going around means more chances of getting sick so experts are urging everyone to get a flu shot. This year, a sore throat or runny nose could produce more anxiety than usual, but try not to let yourself slide into fearful thinking. Stay home and report your symptoms to your doctor, especially if you experience a fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath. There is a wide range of symptoms associated with the onset of COVID-19, but the CDC offers this list as well as an interactive coronavirus self-checker. Mild symptoms can often be managed and monitored from home, but don’t make that decision without your doctor. 

If you develop any emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. According to the CDC, these emergency signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, though they stress that severe symptoms of any kind should be immediately reported to your medical provider. 

Preparing for the possibility of getting sick is especially important right now. The ADA recommends having enough supplies to last you several weeks in case you are symptomatic and unable to leave your home. If you do get sick and your doctor has recommended that you remain at home, take that as good news and try to focus your attention on resting while keeping an eye on your glucose levels and symptoms. 

Remember—any infection, including COVID-19, will likely cause your blood glucose levels to start rising. It’s important to pay close attention to your blood sugar, continue taking your medications, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your blood sugar becomes hard to manage and your body doesn’t have enough insulin, you are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The ADA advises that if your blood sugar has registered high (greater than 240mg/dL) more than twice in a row, you should use an over-the-counter kit to test your urine for ketones. If ketones are present, call your doctor right away. 

Continuing to take your insulin and other medications must be your top priority, so be sure that you don’t risk running out. According to ADA, the leading manufacturers of insulin and other supplies are not reporting any impact on their manufacturing and distribution capabilities due to COVID-19. There have been, however, widespread reports of mail delays that could affect the timely delivery of mail-order prescription drugs. 

When you fill your prescriptions through Alto, we’ll coordinate your refills automatically, then one of our couriers will hand-deliver them to your home. Your prescriptions will never change hands during the delivery process and you can designate a safe place for your courier to leave your medications for contact-free drop-offs. 

Finally, if like so many you are currently experiencing unemployment, loss of insurance, or economic hardship, there are options to get help. The ADA offers this list of resources and the team at Alto is always here to help you find options that can save you money. Reach out to us at any time via phone call (1-800-874-5881), or in-app messaging.

So many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain right now, and that can interfere with our ability to sleep well, manage stress, and practice self-care. Be sure to keep in touch with the people you love and talk to them about your fears. Joining an online community for people with diabetes can also help you get the emotional support you need. 

We're here to support you through COVID-19 with free home delivery. Our team is available 6 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 7 am - 6 pm PT on weekends; call 1-800-874-5881 or download the mobile app for secure messaging.

Switching to Alto is easy and takes only a few minutes. Here's what you can expect to know about savings, free same-day delivery, and access to our expert pharmacists.

How Do I Transfer a Prescription to Alto?

It really is possible. In just a few minutes, your days of standing in line at the pharmacy could be over for good. From now on, your refills will arrive safely at your doorstep exactly when you need them — no more wondering if they’ll make it on time or if they’re even on their way. And you’ll have ongoing support from a team of pharmacists through secure in-app message, helping you feel comfortable discussing any health concerns freely. 

You can switch to Alto in minutes using our app, by going online at alto.com, or by calling Alto at 1 (800) 874-5881. 

We’ll contact your current pharmacy to arrange the transfer right away. It may take a few business days to receive your prescription from your old pharmacy, but we’ll keep you up to date along the way. As an alternative, you can ask your doctor to send a new prescription directly to Alto.

Not only are the services we provide at Alto completely free, but we’ll also do our best to identify ways to save you money. It’s true—your copay stays the same when you switch to Alto and there are absolutely no hidden delivery or service fees. We’ll investigate coupons, copay cards, and other savings options in order to find you the best price — we’ve saved our patients more than $23 million on their medications! 

Once your transfer is complete, we’ll reach out to schedule your free delivery. You select the delivery date and window that works best for you, and you can follow your courier in real-time as they make their way to your door. Your medications will be hand-delivered by a member of our local courier team. In most instances, you can designate a safe place for your medications to be left in the event you are not home or if you prefer contact-free delivery. 

And, our packaging is designed to keep your temperature-controlled medications cold (but not too cold!) from the time they are packaged at our pharmacy until they reach the door. 

Our team carefully assembles each order the same day it leaves with our local couriers. Ice packs and other insulation are included based on the specific count and weight of your refrigerated items.

“Keep Cold” and “Refrigeration Required” stickers indicate the specific medications that you should store in the refrigerator so nothing is missed when unpacking the delivery.

We’ve tested our packaging methods to verify that medications remain within appropriate temperatures for at least 12 hours (36 hours if sent overnight via FedEx).

Finally, if you’re wondering if we carry your medication, the answer is yes. We fill all types of medications, including specialty, over-the-counter, brand, and generic. And if you have questions about your medications, our team is available to answer your questions from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends; reach out by in-app secure messaging or phone.

If you’re excited about the benefits of switching to Alto — whether it’s the potential savings, free same-day delivery, or easy access to expert pharmacists — there’s no reason to hesitate about transferring your or your family’s prescriptions. We’ve designed the process to be quick and easy. 

Ready to make the switch to a better pharmacy? Sign up through the Alto app or call 1-800-874-5881. 

How Do I Transfer a Prescription to Alto? 

Since 2016, Alto has supported over 50,000 patients through their fertility journey. In this post we'll provide guidance on how to select the right fertility pharmacy. In addition, we'll share the benefits of selecting Alto as your fertility pharmacy. 

What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy

The reliability of your pharmacy is especially important during fertility treatment, which involves an intensive and often changing medication protocol. Late deliveries of your fertility medications are more than an inconvenience — they can impact the effectiveness of your treatment. And medication delivery is only part of a pharmacy’s role in your fertility journey: your fertility pharmacy partner can also affect the emotional and financial aspects of fertility treatment depending on their resources and the accessibility of pharmacists.

Just as it’s important to do your research on fertility clinics and make sure you’ve found the right fit, give yourself time to make an informed decision about which pharmacy you use. Here are the key factors to consider as you explore your fertility pharmacy options.

The importance of your fertility pharmacy partner

It can be overwhelming to navigate your medication protocol while undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing. You will take a variety of medications for either process, with specific medications and doses based on your hormone levels. Your medications and doses are based on your hormone levels. That means that not only is there variation in individual medication protocols, your specific protocol can change throughout the process even after you start your injections. For this reason, same-day delivery isn’t simply a nice-to-have in a pharmacy partner — it’s a must.

A fertility medication protocol involves more than the medications themselves. Fertility medications are often injected in the evenings but can also be divided into morning and evening injections, usually within a designated window of time. Some of these medications require a mixing needle, an injection needle, and a syringe for administration. If a pharmacy does not include the correct supplies with your medications, it can potentially lead to a missed dose. In addition, packaging of fertility medications is extremely important, as the medications can lose their efficacy if they aren’t shipped or stored at the proper temperature.

Lastly, medication expenses factor significantly into the total cost of your fertility treatment. You may be surprised to learn how much your choice of pharmacy can help you manage the financial components of treatment. At Alto, we work directly with your insurance (if applicable) and third party savings programs so that you can get your fertility medications at the lowest possible price.

Learn more about fertility medications and their sequence in a typical IVF or egg freezing timeline.

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Hello, New York!

Navigating HIV Treatment and Prevention During COVID-19

Managing Diabetes During COVID-19

How Do I Transfer a Prescription to Alto?

What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy

The Best Pharmacy for Your Diabetes Care

Concerned about Mail Delays Tying up Your Prescriptions? There’s a Better Way.

Switch to a better pharmacy.